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Pack and prepare auto for winter travel
Motorists can become better armed to battle winter travel
conditions by taking along a simple emergency kit and knowing how to
use the items to avert or recover from a crisis.
Every driver should carry some essential items in the car in case of
an emergency.
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Flashlights with extra batteries
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Stocked first aid kit
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Pocket knife
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Blanket or sleeping bag
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Mittens, socks and a wool cap
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Waterproof covering like a tarp or a poncho
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Three-pound coffee can, which can be used to heat
water
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A small sack of sand or cat litter for generating
traction under stuck wheels; it also adds weight to your vehicle
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A small shovel
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Bottled water (but remember it will probably freeze
so allow expansion room in the container)
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Booster cables
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Energy bars or other high-energy food like raisins
or nuts
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Brightly-colored scarf to attract attention in case
of an emergency
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Waterproof matches or a cigarette lighter
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Candles (a blanket over your head, body heat and the
heat from a single candle can prevent freezing)
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Basic tool kit to include pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable
wrench, tape and wire
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Paper towels or toilet tissue, good for their designed
purpose as well as a fire starter
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Spare tire
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Rope and wire, tow chain or a strap
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Starter fluid, extra oil, gas line deicer and battery
booster cables
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Map of the area where you plan to travel
Signaling devices such as emergency flares or a mirror
Having these items on hand can help ensure a driver's
safety, but vehicles also need attention at the start of the winter
season. The American Automobile Association (AAA) advises drivers to
prepare their vehicles for the winter season by having a mechanic check
the following items:
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Battery
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Antifreeze level
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Wipers and windshield washer fluid
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Ignition system
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Thermostat
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Headlights and hazard lights
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Exhaust system
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Defroster and heater
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Brakes
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Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with
a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 variety)
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Winter tires
Basic automobile parts can help save a stranded motorist.
Put these automotive parts to good use in the event of trouble:
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A hubcap or sun visor can be substituted for a shovel
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Seat covers can be used as a blanket
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Floor mats can be used to shut out the wind
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Engine oil burned in a hubcap creates a smoke signal
visible for miles.
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A car horn can be heard as far as a mile downwind.
Three long blasts, ten seconds apart, every 30 minutes, is a standard
distress signal.
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A rear-view mirror can be removed to serve as a signaling
device
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Burn a tire for a signal or for warmth. Release the
air pressure and use gasoline or oil for a means to ignite it.
Before beginning a trip or long drive, motorists can learn
about the current road conditions on the Internet or by telephone. For
statewide highway information 24 hours a day, call the Idaho Transportation
Department’s new travel information system: 511
For access to online reports, visit the transportation
department's web site at 511.idaho.gov
The new statewide travel information service provides
updates on winter road and weather conditions, emergency closures and
access to tourist information 24-hours a day, seven-days-a-week.
Published
11-23-05
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